VR Tech Times

The first time we drove this generation of the Audi A6 (C8) in India was for our exclusive review that was the cover of the October 2019 issue of Autocar India. It was also the last time we drove it, which is crazy when you think about it. I know SUVs have overwhelmed the collective consciousness of our market, and that Mercedes, and more recently BMW, stole all the headlines (and sales) with their long-wheelbase offerings, but there’s no reason a capable sedan like this should have been left out of the spotlight the way it was. Luckily, now, six-and-a-half years later and approaching the end of its life, it has found its way into our long-term fleet, and boy had we been missing out. Not a car previously associated with driving thrills, this A6 was a joy to pilot. The best example of this is that the A6 got a facelift sometime in 2024, and none of us actually noticed. There was no launch event; not even a press release. And this was more than just your average nip and tuck, as I ...

For the third time in my riding career, I found myself back at the California Superbike School, where riders go to truly understand what actually happens between the handlebars and the rear tyre. Only this time, the experience was different. Not because the school had changed, but because I was now attending it as a more evolved rider. Back in 2019, I got my first taste of riding a motorcycle on a race track at CSS, and since then, the only goal has been learning to be faster, better, and improve my technique. After attending the school twice in the past, I had a good idea of what I would be doing over the next three days; but, this time, things turned out even better as I went with the approach of improving on areas where I knew I was weak and could be better. Considering I have done this in the past on single-cylinder motorcycles, this time around, I wanted a little more firepower, and Aprilia India was kind enough to lend me the RS 457. The School The format was the same as us...

Isn’t it a little strange that of all the giant motorcycle manufacturers in India, Royal Enfield is the first to bring an electric motorcycle into production? It’s almost illogical from a brand that is built entirely on simplicity, old-school charm and a ‘mechanical’ riding experience, but there’s some genuine forward-thinking behind this decision. The Flying Flea C6 isn’t meant to be a big seller, nor is it intended to transform Royal Enfield’s fortunes overnight. Instead, it represents something far more strategic. This is the company preparing itself for an uncertain future — one where electric mobility will inevitably gain importance. By starting early, Royal Enfield is effectively learning the exceptionally complex task of how to build electric motorcycles well before it absolutely has to. The C6 is the first result of that endeavour and RE has taken a unique approach to its first EV while also drawing inspiration from its rich heritage C6 Design and Engineering - 8/10 Beau...

At its 2026 Kia CEO Investor Day event, Kia announced plans to expand its lineup to 10 models, among which 8 would be electrified, including the Syros EV, Sorento hybrid and Carnival hybrid. The models are expected to arrive by 2030.  "In India, one of Kia’s core emerging markets, the strategy includes expanding its lineup to 10 models, offering eight electrified vehicles (xEVs) — including the Syros EV, Sorento HEV, and Carnival HEV — and expanding the dealer network to 800 locations," said Kia in a press statement. Kia Sorento Hybrid: What to expect? US-spec Sorento used for representation The Sorento will be positioned above the Seltos as a three-row SUV to rival the likes of the Mahindra XUV 7XO . Previously, we had reported on Kia developing a three-row SUV codenamed the MQ4i, which would have a hybridised 1.5-litre petrol engine. The SUV would share the Sorento’s underpinnings, but it is yet to be seen if it actually carries the Sorento name and the same top h...

Mercedes-Benz has discontinued the A-Class Limousine, EQA, and EQB from its India website ahead of the CLA EV launch . This move by the carmaker corroborates our previous report on the same , with the focus now on higher-end models in its portfolio. Additionally, the luxury car giant has also delisted its electric EQE SUV.  An official statement from the carmaker said, “We have completely sold out the existing stock of these models in India. Customers looking for the latest generation BEV, can explore the new CLA, which is the most ‘intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever’ and has created new benchmark in the luxury BEVs, debuting on 24th April.” CLA EV and GLA will be the only entry-level models in Mercedes’ lineup Carmaker emphasising the higher-end of the luxury segment. Entering Mercedes' portfolio will get more expensive  Mercedes to focus on the higher-end of the luxury segment  Carmaker wants to prioritise value over volume  In 2025, Mercedes revealed that i...

KTM India has steadily been working on building its adventure community, and things have gone a long way since the first-gen 390 Adventure was launched six years ago. With Bajaj now owning KTM outright, the company felt that it was time to bring the famed annual KTM Adventure Rally to India for the first time, and Goa made for the perfect destination.  Spread over three days, the idea behind the KTM Adventure Rally was to create a fun and thoroughly challenging environment for the participants, but not for it to be a torture fest. This was not a competition, and it was more of a learning experience where we’d get to ride with some highly skilled coaches and learn to deal with all sorts of off-road challenges. Some of the obstacles created pretty dramatic photographs. Day 1 began with a road ride up to the Arambol plateau in North Goa. The actual off-road riding began once we approached the steep climb to the plateau. This was our first taste of Goa’s uniquely skittish off-roa...

Bajaj’s remarkable engineering speed has allowed the company to turn a shortsighted and punishing new regulatory structure into a win-win situation. All the locally manufactured Triumph motorcycles will now be sold with a new 349cc single cylinder that has been downsized from the original 399cc motor. A slightly differently tuned version of this engine will also find its way into the NS400 and Dominar 400 while another differently tuned one will make its way to the KTM 390s. The engine's may have gotten smaller but the names remain the same. We got our first experience with this new engine in a Triumph Scrambler 400 X - and yes, Bajaj is not changing the names on any of the above mentioned bikes, despite the drop in capacity. But the naming choice is the only real controversy, because we can now report that this new engine is actually a rather likable thing. How they did it The downsizing was done by reducing the stroke, rather than the bore. Changes include a new crankshaf...

Hyundai is offering discounts across its range in April 2026, including the Grand i10 Nios, i20, Aura, Exter, Venue, Verna, Creta, Creta Electric and Alcazar. The benefits include a mix of cash discounts, exchange and scrappage bonuses, upgrade offers and corporate schemes, depending on the model and variant. An additional limited-period cash offer is also applicable on select models this month. Hyundai has also announced a price hike of up to 1 percent from May 2026. Disclaimer: Discounts may vary by city and are subject to stock availability. Buyers are advised to check with their local dealer for exact figures. Hyundai Verna discounts in April 2026 Up to Rs 1.10 lakh off Pre facelift Hyundai Verna The Verna attracts the highest benefits this month, with up to Rs 1.10 lakh on older inventory. This includes a Rs 40,000 cash discount, a Rs 35,000 scrappage bonus, a Rs 15,000 upgrade bonus and a Rs 10,000 additional offer.The new Verna gets lower benefits of up to Rs 35,000....